PARABOLIC PIGEON. 



19 



genus, and is abundant in New Holland and many 

 of the surrounding islands, and those of the Pacific 

 Ocean. They are fond of sandy and desert tracts, 

 appearing from September to February, and are 

 chiefly found in pairs : their nest is found either 

 upon some low tree or on the ground : they lay 

 two white eggs, and the young are hatched about 

 November : their principal food consists of a fruit 

 somewhat resembling a cherry, the stones of which 

 have been found in abundance in their stomachs. 

 It is very easy to find their place of retreat, as they 

 are continually making a loud cooing, which is 

 said to resemble the lowing of a cow at a distance. 

 They are known by the English in New Holland 

 by the name of Ground Pigeon, being unable to 

 take long flights, and being observed principally on 

 low trees, or on the ground. 



PARABOLIC PIGEON. 



(Columba arquatrix.) 



Co. purpureo-ccBrulescens, pectore subtus nigro purpureo-mrio , 

 capite griseo-cxrulescente, abdomine alisque macuHs albis, pedi- 

 bus plumosis. 



Purple-blue Pigeon, with the breast beneath black, varied with 

 purple 3 the head grey-bluish ; the abdomen and wings with 

 white spots 3 the feet plumose. 



Columba arquatrix. Temm. Pig. Ind, 447. 



Colombe rameron. Le Vaill. Ois. d'Afrique, i, 6. pi. 264. — 

 Temm, Pig,Jam, second, pi. enl. 5. — Id. Qvo. p. 93. 



